Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "Akhand Path" in English language version.
AKHAND PATH. An "unbroken reading" of the Guru Granth Sahib. This is performed by a relay of readers who, reading in turn without intermission, complete the task in approximately 48 hours. It is held on all occasions of importance to Sikhs such as a marriage, the opening of a new business, or a funeral. Each reader should bathe and wear clean clothes before beginning his turn. Karah prasad should be brought into the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib before beginning an Akhand Path; the six appointed stanzas of Anand Sahib should be read, Ardas should be recited, and a hukam should be taken. The reading concludes with a bhog ceremony. Much the same procedure is followed with a Sadharan Path or a Saptahak Path The practice of holding Akhand Paths appears to have developed during the late 18th or early 19th centuries. A practice rarely undertaken is that of the Ati Akhand Path, which involves only one person. The task, which takes about 27 hours, can be performed only by a person of uncommon stamina and reading skill.
The origin of akhand paath is not clear but it may be traced to the eighteenth century AD. In those turbulent times, it must have been a means of uniting and spiritually strengthening scattered and threatened groups of the Sikhs. Its popularity doubtlessly increased with the availability of the printed copies of the Guru Granth Sahib in the nineteenth century AD. Such readings have parallels in the Hindu religious tradition and these may have affected and influenced the Sikh custom.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link){{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)AKHAND PATH. An "unbroken reading" of the Guru Granth Sahib. This is performed by a relay of readers who, reading in turn without intermission, complete the task in approximately 48 hours. It is held on all occasions of importance to Sikhs such as a marriage, the opening of a new business, or a funeral. Each reader should bathe and wear clean clothes before beginning his turn. Karah prasad should be brought into the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib before beginning an Akhand Path; the six appointed stanzas of Anand Sahib should be read, Ardas should be recited, and a hukam should be taken. The reading concludes with a bhog ceremony. Much the same procedure is followed with a Sadharan Path or a Saptahak Path The practice of holding Akhand Paths appears to have developed during the late 18th or early 19th centuries. A practice rarely undertaken is that of the Ati Akhand Path, which involves only one person. The task, which takes about 27 hours, can be performed only by a person of uncommon stamina and reading skill.
The origin of akhand paath is not clear but it may be traced to the eighteenth century AD. In those turbulent times, it must have been a means of uniting and spiritually strengthening scattered and threatened groups of the Sikhs. Its popularity doubtlessly increased with the availability of the printed copies of the Guru Granth Sahib in the nineteenth century AD. Such readings have parallels in the Hindu religious tradition and these may have affected and influenced the Sikh custom.
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